Power Steering Assist
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast, Floria
Power Steering Assist
I installed a power steering assist kit, purchased from Calfornia Performance Products, to upgrade the steering of my 1954 F-100. It allowed me to retain the stock front axle and steering column. It has a tendency to be very sensitive when traveling between 40-and above speeds. The power steering pump is from Y-Block . It was removed from a donor car and exchanged for a new one. Should I have added a proportioning or regulator valve? I know most guys use a late model GM pump, but I try to remain a Ford brand loyal guy. Besides the brackets from the donor car fit perfectly onto my Y-Block engine.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast, Floria
Having installed a power steering assist kit, purchased from Calfornia Performance Products. The purpose was to upgrade the steering of my 1954 F-100. It allowed me to retain the stock front axle and steering column. But, it has a tendency to be very sensitive when traveling between 40-and above speeds. The power steering pump is from Y-Block . It was removed from a donor car and exchanged for a new one. Should I have added a proportioning or regulator valve? I know most guys use a late model GM pump, but I try to remain a Ford brand loyal guy. Besides the brackets from the donor car fit perfectly onto my Y-Block engine.[/QUOTE]
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,302
Likes: 1,061
From: NM
Adding power to your truck's steering may require some adjustment to the alignment to match (less caster?). But the slave cylinder type of power steering was never known for it's feel (I assume that's the type you installed?). My son's Maverick had that type and compared to the very nice power rack-and-pinion systems we've all gotten used to, it was overly sensitive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Did CPP recommend a specific PS pump that would be compatible with their power assist? You are probably better off with the Ford unit than a GM anyway since the GM pump has an even higher pressure than the Ford. It is always best to match components when you can. That is why I am using a Mopar PS pump with my Volare power steering box. In some instances it is not hard to modify another brand of pump to fit your specific bracket. I am using a Nova bracket with the Mopar pump. The biggest problem I had was getting the PS pump pulley to align with the water pump and crank pulleys. 
Vern
Vern
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast, Floria
Power Steering Assist
Thanks to everyone who responded. I will try the regulator and see if that helps. More to follow after the experiment is done...Buck
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 47
From: Minnesota
Could you put a larger pulley on the pump to slow it down? Maybe something from a different vehicle? This would also reduce drain on the system from the power steering pump. I am not familiar with what is in a pump but if there is not an internal regulator of some type that would reduce pressure and flow.
Originally Posted by trucktex941
Thanks to everyone who responded. I will try the regulator and see if that helps. More to follow after the experiment is done...Buck
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, ME
Hey Buck, keep us posted on what you come up with for a final product. I have the exact same unit and am currently assembling my chassis. It will be several months before I'm driving but any tips or info you got please share
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
DON'T use a pump from one of the big luxury cars: Lincoln, Cadillac, etc.
They have a much higher pressure and will give you fits. More caster will definitely help and is easy to do, Mid Fifty etc sell tapered axle wedges, just make sure you are tipping the top of the axle back, and your U-bolts are long enough.
They have a much higher pressure and will give you fits. More caster will definitely help and is easy to do, Mid Fifty etc sell tapered axle wedges, just make sure you are tipping the top of the axle back, and your U-bolts are long enough.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast, Floria
Power Steering Assist
Thanks to all who responded and offered potential solutions for this issue. To scott123, I will keep you posted. CPP recommended a GM pump, but, I am a Ford guy and so no GM parts will go into my truck. Brand loyalty.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by trucktex941
Thanks to all who responded and offered potential solutions for this issue. To scott123, I will keep you posted. CPP recommended a GM pump, but, I am a Ford guy and so no GM parts will go into my truck. Brand loyalty.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GoStang
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Jul 15, 2012 10:47 AM
TxF100
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Feb 16, 2009 10:49 PM
Brian_B
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
Aug 26, 2008 06:39 PM
